Pirate Pete's Potty: A Ladybird potty training book

Follow Pirate Pete as he swaps his nappy for big boy pants and begins to use the potty for the first time. Clear, practical text and engaging illustrations help to counter many of the anxieties both children and parents may feel along the way.

Pressing the 'cheer' sound button as you read each page is both a fun way to engage with the story and motivate your child.

Ladybird's potty training tips

It is very important to begin potty training when children are ready, and not to rush or insist upon it. Always take your lead from your child, not from other parents!

Children are usually ready to start using a potty around the age of 24-30 months, when the bladder and sphincter muscles have developed enough for children to learn to control them.

Often, the first signs that your child is ready to begin using a potty are an interest in what other people are doing on the toilet, an awareness of needing to wee or poo, and being able to tell you about this in some way - either through words or body language!

Potty training can be an exciting and funny experience for children. Capture their natural interest and curiosity by using direct language to explain what's going on and answer their questions in as much detail as possible. Remember that what seems mundane and everyday to you is a new and fascinating experience for a toddler.

Do:

Encourage your child at every stage with lots of praise and humour

Take your time and try not to hurry things

Teach good bathroom habits such as wiping bottoms and washing hands

Remember that accidents will happen along the way. Be patient and remember that they are nothing to worry about.

Don't:

Begin potty training too soon. This is likely to prolong the process and make it more stressful for both you and your child

Force your child to sit on the potty

Show any disgust for your child's wee or poo - instead consider anything in the potty an achievement to be proud of!

Scold or punish your child

A specially written book can often help to familiarise, encourage and excite your child about potty training.

Ladybird's boy and girl potty titles use appealing characters, practical text and a fun, interactive sound button to demonstrate every step of potty training in a toddler-friendly way. The water-resistant pages also make them perfect for using alongside a new potty!